GUN
SAFETY
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Seemingly in the news everyday now issues related to Gun Safety are more relevant than ever. For many the world of firearms is confusing and presents questions like what qualifies as an assault rifle and what does Stand Your Ground actually mean. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Gun Safety. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs):
Allow for the reporting of persons suspected of harming themselves or others, resulting in firearms being removed from their possession and further firearm purchases being prohibited.
Assault Rifle:
A light and portable military grade firearm. It can switch between semiautomatic and automatic fire allowing it to shoot ammunition more quickly.
National Firearms Checks:
Background checks conducted by NICS when an individual wants to buy a gun or explosive. The check verifies whether the buyer has a criminal record or is otherwise ineligible to own a firearm.
Open Carry/ Concealed Carry:
Open Carry refers to the right of adult citizens to display firearms in public without the need for a permit. Concealed Carry refers to the practice of carrying a concealed weapon in public either with or without a permit.
Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground:
States that individuals have the right to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves. For CD it is limited to an intruder in their home whereas SYG is broader.
Moments In History
1791 - The Bill of Rights, including the 2nd Amendment, is ratified.
1968 - The Gun Control Act is passed, regulating interstate & foreign commerce of firearms.
2022 - The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is passed, considered a red flag law.
1949 - NRA and the NY Dept of Environmental Conservation conducted the first firearm training course for hunters.
1994-98 - The Brady Law is passed in 1994, with certain conditions removed in 1998.
Statistics
According to the BMJ Journals, only 14% of people who live with a gun owner have been trained to safely use those firearms.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, over 365! There have been more mass shootings this year in the U.S. so far than days in the year (as of 6/1/23).
According to the CDC Center for Health Statistics, Of the ten states with the highest murder rates by gun violence, 8 are considered red states.
According to Forbes, as of 2019, gun violence is the leading cause of child mortality in ages
1-19 yrs, beating vehicle fatalities.
According to the Violence Policy Center, CA, CT, HI, MA, NJ, NY, and RI are all within the top 10 states with the strongest gun control laws AND the top 10 states with the lowest gun death rates.
Values
Training
De-escalation
Sense of Security
Self-Sufficiency
Power
Notable Names
Annie Oakley
Jeff Cooper
David Hogg
Teddy Roosevelt
Lucy McBath
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Gun Safety Infographic
Share what you have learned about Gun Safety. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Know-it-All Event Video
Our speaker event was insightful and fun! The interesting anecdotes from Lois Schaffer on important gun safety topics were invaluable and truly entertaining. Watch the video to further understand the need to understand Gun Safety and embrace a safer lifestyle. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Know-It-All Watch: Gun Safety Discussion Party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Popcorn & Chat Event Video
Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching Bowling For Columbine together, we discussed the film and what we learned about Gun Safety. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Speak with a veteran -- perhaps in your own family -- willing to share their experience with guns.
Learn about the rules associated with gun ownership in your state (e.g., licensing, background checks, stand your ground & castle laws, etc.).
Commit to one weekly action to promote gun safety!
Do more to end gun violence, such as: volunteer with organizations promoting sensible gun ownership, attend additional gun safety training if you own a gun, talk about someone who was killed by gun violence, etc.
Share our Gun Safety Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!